Hypolipidemic effects of dietary fibre from an artichoke by-product in Syrian hamsters

Abstract

Dietary fibre, including inulin-type fructans, from artichoke by-product were analyzed to understand the potential hypolipidemic effects over Syrian Hamsters fed a high fat diet. A decrease (p < 0.001) of plasma triglycerides (34%), VLDL + LDL (29%) and total cholesterol (24%) was observed in the artichoke supplemented animals. The remarkable cation-exchange and swelling capacities enhances the diminution of intraluminal diffusion and absorption of lipids. The mentioned decrease in sera parameters affects fat accumulation preventing hepatic steatosis. Indeed, a diminution of total fat (21%), total cholesterol (13.6%) (p < 0.05), triglycerides (19%) and esterified cholesterol (33%) (p < 0.01) was observed in liver. Faecal excretion of total fat, triglycerides and bile acids increased (p < 0.001) in treated animals mainly due to the notable oil holding capacity. It is concluded that artichoke by-product has hypolipidemic effects due to the presence of inulin-type fructans in synergy mainly with arabinans and/or arabinogalactans; being this synergy more effective than inulin alone as a lipid-lowering agent.

Keywords

• Dietary fibre
• Fructan
• Inulin
• Lipid-lowering
• By-product